This is a simplifed HTML format, intended for screen readers and other limited-function browsers.

About this Title:

One of the plays in the 1916 Oxford University Press edition of all of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

Copyright information:

The text is in the public domain.

Fair use statement:

This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.

Servants of Ventidius, and of Varro and Isidore (two of Timon’s Creditors).

Three Strangers.

An Old Athenian.

A Page.

A Fool.

Poet, Painter, Jeweller, and Merchant.

PHRYNIA, }

Mistresses to Alcibiades.

TIMANDRA, }

Lords, Senators, Officers, Soldiers, Thieves, and Attendants.

CUPID and Amazons in the Masque.

Scene.—Athens, and the neighbouring Woods.

ACT I.

Scene I.—: Athens. A Hall inTimon’sHouse.

Enter Poet, Painter, Jeweller, Merchant, and Others, at several doors.

Poet.

Good day, sir.

Pain.

I am glad you’re well.

Poet.

I have not seen you long. How goes the world?

Pain.

It wears, sir, as it grows.

Poet.

Ay, that’s well known;

But what particular rarity? what strange,Craig1916: 4

Which manifold record not matches? See,

Magic of bounty! all these spirits thy power

Hath conjur’d to attend. I know the merchant.

Pain.

I know them both; th’ other’s a jeweller.Craig1916: 8

Mer.

O! ’tis a worthy lord.

Jew.

Nay, that’s most fix’d.

Mer.

A most incomparable man, breath’d, as it were,

To an untirable and continuate goodness:

He passes.

Jew.

I have a jewel here—Craig1916: 12

Mer.

O! pray, let’s see ’t: for the Lord Timon, sir?

Jew.

If he will touch the estimate: but, for that—

Poet.

When we for recompense have prais’d the vile,

It stains the glory in that happy verseCraig1916: 16

Which aptly sings the good.

Mer.

[Looking at the jewel.] ’Tis a good form.

Jew.

And rich: here is a water, look ye.

Pain.

You are rapt, sir, in some work, some dedication

To the great lord.

Poet.

A thing slipp’d idly from me.

Our poesy is as a gum, which oozesCraig1916: 21

From whence ’tis nourish’d: the fire i’ the flint

Shows not till it be struck; our gentle flame

Provokes itself, and, like the current fliesCraig1916: 24

Each bound it chafes. What have you there?

Pain.

A picture, sir. When comes your book forth?

Poet.

Upon the heels of my presentment, sir.

Let’s see your piece.Craig1916: 28

Pain.

’Tis a good piece.

Poet.

So ’tis: this comes off well and excellent.

Pain.

Indifferent.

Poet.

Admirable! How this grace

Speaks his own standing! what a mental power

This eye shoots forth! how big imaginationCraig1916: 33

Moves in this lip! to the dumbness of the gesture

One might interpret.

Pain.

It is a pretty mocking of the life.Craig1916: 36

Here is a touch; is ’t good?

Edition: current; Page: [920]

Poet.

I’ll say of it,

It tutors nature: artificial strife

Lives in these touches, livelier than life.

Enter certain Senators, who pass over the stage.

Pain.

How this lord is follow’d!Craig1916: 40

Poet.

The senators of Athens: happy man!

Pain.

Look, more!

Poet.

You see this confluence, this great flood of visitors.

I have, in this rough work, shap’d out a man,Craig1916: 44

Whom this beneath world doth embrace and hug

With amplest entertainment: my free drift

Halts not particularly, but moves itself

In a wide sea of wax: no levell’d maliceCraig1916: 48

Infects one comma in the course I hold;

But flies an eagle flight, bold and forth on,

Leaving no tract behind.

Pain.

How shall I understand you?

Poet.

I will unbolt to you.Craig1916: 52

You see how all conditions, how all minds—

As well of glib and slippery creatures as

Of grave and austere quality—tender down

Their services to Lord Timon: his large fortune,

Upon his good and gracious nature hanging,Craig1916: 57

Subdues and properties to his love and tendance

All sorts of hearts; yea, from the glass-fac’d flatterer

To Apemantus, that few things loves betterCraig1916: 60

Than to abhor himself: even he drops down

The knee before him and returns in peace

Most rich in Timon’s nod.

Pain.

I saw them speak together.

Poet.

Sir, I have upon a high and pleasant hillCraig1916: 64

Feign’d Fortune to be thron’d: the base o’ the mount

Is rank’d with all deserts, all kind of natures,

That labour on the bosom of this sphere

To propagate their states: amongst them all,Craig1916: 68

Whose eyes are on this sovereign lady fix’d,

One do I personate of Lord Timon’s frame,

Whom Fortune with her ivory hand wafts to her;

Whose present grace to present slaves and servantsCraig1916: 72

Translates his rivals.

Pain.

’Tis conceiv’d to scope.

This throne, this Fortune, and this hill, methinks,

With one man beckon’d from the rest below,

Bowing his head against the steepy mountCraig1916: 76

To climb his happiness, would be well express’d

In our condition.

Poet.

Nay, sir, but hear me on.

All those which were his fellows but of late,

Some better than his value, on the momentCraig1916: 80

Follow his strides, his lobbies fill with tendance,

Rain sacrificial whisperings in his ear,

Make sacred even his stirrup, and through him

Drink the free air.

Pain.

Ay, marry, what of these?Craig1916: 84

Poet.

When Fortune in her shift and change of mood

Spurns down her late belov’d, all his dependants

Which labour’d after him to the mountain’s top

Even on their knees and hands, let him slip down,Craig1916: 88

Not one accompanying his declining foot.

Pain.

’Tis common:

A thousand moral paintings I can show

That shall demonstrate these quick blows of Fortune’sCraig1916: 92

More pregnantly than words. Yet you do well

To show Lord Timon that mean eyes have seen

The foot above the head.

Trumpets sound. EnterLord Timon,addressing himself courteously to every suitor; a Messenger fromVentidiustalking with him,Luciliusand other servants following.

Tim.

Imprison’d is he, say you?

Mess.

Ay, my good lord: five talents is his debt,Craig1916: 96

His means most short, his creditors most strait:

Your honourable letter he desires

To those have shut him up; which, failing,

Periods his comfort.

Tim.

Noble Ventidius! Well;Craig1916: 100

I am not of that feather to shake off

My friend when he must need me. I do know him

A gentleman that well deserves a help,

Which he shall have: I’ll pay the debt and free him.Craig1916: 104

Mess.

Your lordship ever binds him.

Tim.

Commend me to him. I will send his ransom;

And being enfranchis’d, bid him come to me.

’Tis not enough to help the feeble up,Craig1916: 108

But to support him after. Fare you well.

Mess.

All happiness to your honour.

[Exit.

Enter an Old Athenian.

Old Ath.

Lord Timon, hear me speak.

Tim.

Freely, good father.

Old Ath.

Thou hast a servant nam’d Lucilius.

Tim.

I have so: what of him?Craig1916: 113

Old Ath.

Most noble Timon, call the man before thee.

Tim.

Attends be here or no? Lucilius!

Luc.

Here, at your lordship’s service.Craig1916: 116

Edition: current; Page: [921]

Old Ath.

This fellow here, Lord Timon, this thy creature,

By night frequents my house. I am a man

That from my first have been inclin’d to thrift,

And my estate deserves an heir more rais’dCraig1916: 120

Than one which holds a trencher.

Tim.

Well; what further?

Old Ath.

One only daughter have I, no kin else,

On whom I may confer what I have got:

The maid is fair, o’ the youngest for a bride,Craig1916: 124

And I have bred her at my dearest cost

In qualities of the best. This man of thine

Attempts her love: I prithee, noble lord,

Join with me to forbid him her resort;Craig1916: 128

Myself have spoke in vain.

Tim.

The man is honest.

Old Ath.

Therefore he will be, Timon:

His honesty rewards him in itself;

It must not bear my daughter.

Tim.

Does she love him?Craig1916: 132

Old Ath.

She is young and apt:

Our own precedent passions do instruct us

What levity’s in youth.

Tim.

[ToLucilius.] Love you the maid?

Luc.

Ay, my good lord, and she accepts of it.

Old Ath.

If in her marriage my consent be missing,Craig1916: 137

I call the gods to witness, I will choose

Mine heir from forth the beggars of the world,

And dispossess her all.

Tim.

How shall she be endow’d,

If she be mated with an equal husband?Craig1916: 141

Old Ath.

Three talents on the present; in future, all.

Tim.

This gentleman of mine hath serv’d me long:

To build his fortune I will strain a little,Craig1916: 144

For ’tis a bond in men. Give him thy daughter;

What you bestow, in him I’ll counterpoise,

And make him weigh with her.

Old Ath.

Most noble lord,

Pawn me to this your honour, she is his.Craig1916: 148

Tim.

My hand to thee; mine honour on my promise.

Luc.

Humbly I thank your lordship: never may

That state or fortune fall into my keeping

Which is not ow’d to you!Craig1916: 152

[ExeuntLuciliusand Old Athenian.

Poet.

Vouchsafe my labour, and long live your lordship!

Tim.

I thank you; you shall hear from me anon:

Go not away. What have you there, my friend?

Pain.

A piece of painting, which I do beseechCraig1916: 156

Your lordship to accept.

Tim.

Painting is welcome.

The painting is almost the natural man;

For since dishonour traffics with man’s nature,

He is but outside: these pencil’d figures areCraig1916: 160

Even such as they give out. I like your work;

And you shall find I like it: wait attendance

Till you hear further from me.

Pain.

The gods preserve you!

Tim.

Well fare you, gentleman: give me your hand;Craig1916: 164

We must needs dine together. Sir, your jewel

Hath suffer’d under praise.

Jew.

What, my lord! dispraise?

Tim.

A mere satiety of commendations.

If I should pay you for ’t as ’tis extoll’d,Craig1916: 168

It would unclew me quite.

Jew.

My lord, ’tis rated

As those which sell would give: but you well know,

Things of like value, differing in the owners,

Are prized by their masters. Believe ’t, dear lord,Craig1916: 172

You mend the jewel by the wearing it.

Tim.

Well mock’d.

Mer.

No, my good lord; he speaks the common tongue,

Which all men speak with him.Craig1916: 176

Tim.

Look, who comes here. Will you be chid?

EnterApemantus.

Jew.

We’ll bear, with your lordship.

Mer.

He’ll spare none.

Tim.

Good morrow to thee, gentle Apemantus!

Apem.

Till I be gentle, stay thou for thy good morrow;Craig1916: 180

When thou art Timon’s dog, and these knaves honest.

Tim.

Why dost thou call them knaves? thou know’st them not.

Apem.

Are they not Athenians?

Tim.

Yes.Craig1916: 184

Apem.

Then I repent not.

Jew.

You know me, Apemantus?

Apem.

Thou know’st I do; I call’d thee by thy name.Craig1916: 188

Tim.

Thou art proud, Apemantus.

Apem.

Of nothing so much as that I am not like Timon.

Tim.

Whither art going?Craig1916: 192

Apem.

To knock out an honest Athenian’s brains.

Tim.

That’s a deed thou’lt die for.

Apem.

Right, if doing nothing be death by the law.Craig1916: 197

Edition: current; Page: [922]

Tim.

How likest thou this picture, Apemantus?

Apem.

The best, for the innocence.Craig1916: 200

Tim.

Wrought he not well that painted it?

Apem.

He wrought better that made the painter; and yet he’s but a filthy piece of work.

Pain.

You’re a dog.Craig1916: 204

Apem.

Thy mother’s of my generation: what’s she, if I be a dog?

Tim.

Wilt dine with me, Apemantus?

Apem.

No; I eat not lords.Craig1916: 208

Tim.

An thou shouldst, thou’dst anger ladies.

Apem.

O! they eat lords; so they come by great bellies.

Tim.

That’s a lascivious apprehension.Craig1916: 212

Apem.

So thou apprehendest it, take it for thy labour.

Tim.

How dost thou like this jewel, Apemantus?Craig1916: 216

Apem.

Not so well as plain-dealing, which will not cost a man a doit.

Tim.

What dost thou think ’tis worth?

Apem.

Not worth my thinking. How now, poet!Craig1916: 221

Poet.

How now, philosopher!

Apem.

Thou liest.

Poet.

Art not one?Craig1916: 224

Apem.

Yes.

Poet.

Then I lie not.

Apem.

Art not a poet?

Poet.

Yes.Craig1916: 228

Apem.

Then thou liest: look in thy last work, where thou hast feigned him a worthy fellow.

Poet.

That’s not feigned; he is so.Craig1916: 231

Apem.

Yes, he is worthy of thee, and to pay thee for thy labour: he that loves to be flattered is worthy o’ the flatterer. Heavens, that I were a lord!Craig1916: 235

Tim.

What wouldst do then, Apemantus?

Apem.

Even as Apemantus does now; hate a lord with my heart.Craig1916: 238

Tim.

What, thyself?

Apem.

Ay.

Tim.

Wherefore?Craig1916: 241

Apem.

That I had no angry wit to be a lord.

Art not thou a merchant?

Mer.

Ay, Apemantus.Craig1916: 244

Apem.

Traffic confound thee, if the gods will not!

Mer.

If traffic do it, the gods do it.

Apem.

Traffic’s thy god, and thy god confound thee!Craig1916: 249

Trumpet sounds. Enter a Servant.

Tim.

What trumpet’s that?

Serv.

’Tis Alcihiades, and some twenty horse,

All of companionship.Craig1916: 252

Tim.

Pray, entertain them; give them guide to us.

[Exeunt some Attendants.

You must needs dine with me. Go not you hence

Till I have thanked you; when dinner’s done,

Show me this piece. I am joyful of your sights.

EnterAlciblades,with his Company.

Most welcome, sir!

Apem.

So, so, there!Craig1916: 257

Aches contract and starve your supple joints!

That there should be small love ’mongst these sweet knaves,

And all this courtesy! The strain of man’s bred outCraig1916: 260

Into baboon and monkey.

Alcib.

Sir, you have sav’d my longing, and I feed

Most hungerly on your sight.

Tim.

Right welcome, sir!

Ere we depart, we’ll share a bounteous timeCraig1916: 264

In different pleasures. Pray you, let us in.

[Exeunt all exceptApemantus.

Enter two Lords.

First Lord.

What time o’day is’t, Apemantus?

Apem.

Time to be honest.

First Lord.

That time serves still.Craig1916: 268

Apem.

The more accursed thou, that still omitt’st it.

Sec. Lord.

Thou art going to Lord Timon’s feast?

Apem.

Ay; to see meat fill khaves and wine heat fools.Craig1916: 272

Sec. Lord.

Fare thee well, fare thee well.

Apem.

Thou art a fool to bid me farewell twice.

Sec. Lord.

Why, Apemantus?

Apem.

Shouldst have kept one to thyself, for I mean to give thee none.Craig1916: 277

First Lord.

Hang thyself!

Apem.

No, I will do nothing at thy bidding: make thy requests to thy friend.Craig1916: 280

Sec. Lord.

Away, unpeaceable dog! or I’ll spurn thee hence.

Apem.

I will fly, like a dog, the heels of an ass.

[Exit.

First Lord.

He’s opposite to humanity. Come, shall we in,Craig1916: 285

And taste Lord Timon’s bounty? he outgoes

The very heart of kindness.

Sec. Lord.

He pours it out; Plutus, the god of gold,Craig1916: 288

Is but his steward: no meed but he repays

Sevenfold above itself; no gift to him

But breeds the giver a return exceedingCraig1916: 291

All use of quittance.

First Lord.

The noblest mind he carries

That ever govern’d man.

Edition: current; Page: [923]

Sec. Lord.

Long may he live in fortunes!

Shall we in?Craig1916: 295

First Lord.

I’ll keep you company.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—: The Same. A Room of State inTimon’sHouse.

Hautboys playing loud music. A great banquet served in;Flaviusand Others attending: then enterLord Timon, Alcibiades, Lords, and Senators, Ventidiusand Attendants. Then comes, dropping after all,Apemantusdiscontentedly, like himself.

Ven.

Most honour’d Timon,

It hath pleas’d the gods to remember my father’s age,

And call him to long peace.

He is gone happy, and has left me rich:Craig1916: 4

Then, as in grateful virtue I am bound

To your free heart, I do return those talents,

Doubled with thanks and service, from whose help

I deriv’d liberty.

Tim.

O! by no means,Craig1916: 8

Honest Ventidius; you mistake my love;

I gave it freely ever; and there’s none

Can truly say he gives, if he receives:

If our betters play at that game, we must not dareCraig1916: 12

To imitate them; faults that are rich are fair.

Ven.

A noble spirit.

[They all stand ceremoniously looking onTimon.

Tim.

Nay, my lords, ceremony was but devis’d at first

To set a gloss on faint deeds, hollow welcomes,

Recanting goodness, sorry ere ’tis shown;Craig1916: 17

But where there is true friendship, there needs none.

Pray, sit; more welcome are ye to my fortunes

Than my fortunes to me.

[They sit.

First Lord.

My lord, we always have confess’d it.Craig1916: 21

Apem.

Ho, ho! confess’d it; hang’d it, have you not?

Tim.

O! Apemantus, you are welcome.

Apem.

No,

You shall not make me welcome:Craig1916: 24

I come to have thee thrust me out of doors.

Tim.

Fie! thou’rt a churl; ye’ve got a humour there

Does not become a man; ’tis much to blame.

They say, my lords, Ira furor brevis est;Craig1916: 28

But yond man is ever angry.

Go, let him have a table by himself,

For he does neither affect company,

Nor is he fit for it, indeed.Craig1916: 32

Apem.

Let me stay at thine apperil, Timon:

I come to observe; I give thee warning on’t.

Tim.

I take no heed of thee; thou’rt an Athenian, therefore, welcome. I myself would have no power; prithee, let my meat make thee silent.Craig1916: 38

Apem.

I scorn thy meat; ’twould choke me, for I should

Ne’er flatter thee. O you gods! what a number

Of men eat Timon, and he sees them not.Craig1916: 41

It grieves me to see so many dip their meat

In one man’s blood; and all the madness is,

He cheers them up too.Craig1916: 44

I wonder men dare trust themselves with men:

Methinks they should invite them without knives;

Good for their meat, and safer for their lives.

There’s much example for’t; the fellow thatCraig1916: 48

Sits next him now, parts bread with him, and pledges

The breath of him in a divided draught,

Is the readiest man to kill him: ’t has been prov’d.

If I were a huge man, I should fear to drink at meals;Craig1916: 52

Lest they should spy my wind-pipe’s dangerous notes:

Great men should drink with harness on their throats.

Tim.

My lord, in heart; and let the health go round.

Sec. Lord.

Let it flow this way, my good lord.

Apem.

Flow this way! A brave fellow! he keeps his tides well. Those healths will make thee and thy state look ill, Timon.

Here’s that which is too weak to be a sinner,Craig1916: 60

Honest water, which ne’er left man i’ the mire:

This and my food are equals, there’s no odds:

Feasts are too proud to give thanks to the gods.

Immortal gods, I crave no pelf;Craig1916: 64

I pray for no man but myself:

Grant I may never prove so fond,

To trust man on his oath or bond;

Or a harlot for her weeping;Craig1916: 68

Or a dog that seems a-sleeping;

Or a keeper with my freedom;

Or my friends, if I should need ’em.

Amen. So fall to’t:Craig1916: 72

Rich men sin, and I eat root.

[Eats and drinks.

Much good dich thy good heart, Apemantus!

Tim.

Captain Alcibiades, your heart’s in the field now.Craig1916: 76

Alcib.

My heart is ever at your service, my lord.

Edition: current; Page: [924]

Tim.

You had rather be at a breakfast of enemies than a dinner of friends.Craig1916: 80

Alcib.

So they were bleeding-new, my lord, there’s no meat like ’em: I could wish my best friend at such a feast.

Apem.

’Would all those flatterers were thine enemies then, that then thou mightst kill ’em and bid me to ’em.Craig1916: 86

First Lord.

Might we but have that happiness, my lord, that you would once use our hearts, whereby we might express some part of our zeals, we should think ourselves for ever perfect.Craig1916: 91

Tim.

O! no doubt, my good friends, but the gods themselves have provided that I shall have much help from you: how had you been my friends else? why have you that charitable title from thousands, did not you chiefly belong to my heart? I have told more of you to myself than you can with modesty speak in your own behalf; and thus far I confirm you. O you gods! think I, what need we have any friends, if we should ne’er have need of ’em? they were the most needless creatures living should we ne’er have use for ’em, and would most resemble sweet instruments hung up in cases, that keep their sounds to themselves. Why, I have often wished myself poorer that I might come nearer to you. We are born to do benefits; and what better or properer can we call our own than the riches of our friends? O! what a precious comfort ’tis, to have so many, like brothers, commanding one another’s fortunes. O joy! e’en made away ere it can be born. Mine eyes cannot hold out water, methinks: to forget their faults, I drink to you.

Apem.

Thou weepest to make them drink, Timon.Craig1916: 116

Sec. Lord.

Joy had the like conception in our eyes,

And, at that instant, like a babe, sprung up.

Apem.

Ho, ho! I laugh to think that babe a bastard.

Third Lord.

I promise you, my lord, you mov’d me much.Craig1916: 120

Apem.

Much!

[Tucket sounded.

Tim.

What means that trump?

Enter a Servant.

How now!

Serv.

Please you, my lord, there are certain ladies most desirous of admittance.Craig1916: 124

Tim.

Ladies? What are their wills?

Serv.

There comes with them a forerunner, my lord, which bears that office, to signify their pleasures.Craig1916: 128

Tim.

I pray, let them be admitted.

EnterCupid.

Cup.

Hail to thee, worthy Timon; and to all

That of his bounties taste! The five best senses

Acknowledge thee their patron; and come freelyCraig1916: 132

To gratulate thy plenteous bosom. Th’ ear,

Taste, touch, smell, pleas’d from thy table rise;

They only now come but to feast thine eyes.

Tim.

They are welcome all; let ’em have kind admittance:Craig1916: 136

Music, make their welcome!

[ExitCupid.

First Lord.

You see, my lord, how ample you’re belov’d.

Music. Re-enterCupid,with a masque of Ladies as Amazons, with lutes in their hands, dancing and playing.

Apem.

Hoy-day! what a sweep of vanity comes this way:

They dance! they are mad women.Craig1916: 140

Like madness is the glory of this life,

As this pomp shows to a little oil and root.

We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves;

And spend our flatteries to drink those menCraig1916: 144

Upon whose age we void it up again,

With poisonous spite and envy.

Who lives that’s not depraved or depraves?

Who dies that bears not one spurn to their gravesCraig1916: 148

Of their friend’s gift?

I should fear those that dance before me now

Would one day stamp upon me: it has been done;

Men shut their doors against a setting sun.Craig1916: 152

The Lords rise from table, with much adoring ofTimon;and to show their loves each singles out an Amazon, and all dance, men with women, a lofty strain or two to the hautboys, and cease.

Tim.

You have done our pleasures much grace, fair ladies,

Set a fair fashion on our entertainment,

Which was not half so beautiful and kind;

You have added worth unto ’t and lustre,Craig1916: 156

And entertain’d me with mine own device;

I am to thank you for ’t.

First Lady.

My lord, you take us even at the best.

Apem.

Faith, for the worst is filthy; and would not hold taking, I doubt me.Craig1916: 161

Tim.

Ladies, there is an idle banquet

Attends you: please you to dispose yourselves.

All Lad.

Most thankfully, my lord.Craig1916: 164

[ExeuntCupidand Ladies.

Edition: current; Page: [925]

Tim.

Flavius!

Flav.

My lord!

Tim.

The little casket bring me hither.

Flav.

Yes, my lord. [Aside.] More jewels yet!

There is no crossing him in ’s humour;Craig1916: 168

Else I should tell him well, i’ faith, I should,

When all’s spent, he’d be cross’d then, an he could.

’Tis pity bounty had not eyes behind,

That man might ne’er be wretched for his mind.

[Exit.

First Lord.

Where be our men?Craig1916: 173

Serv.

Here, my lord, in readiness.

Sec. Lord.

Our horses!

Re-enterFlaviuswith the Casket.

Tim.

O, my friends! I have one word to say to you;Craig1916: 176

Look you, my good lord,

I must entreat you, honour me so much

As to advance this jewel; accept it and wear it,

Kind my lord.Craig1916: 180

First Lord.

I am so far already in your gifts—

All.

So are we all.

Enter a Servant.

Serv.

My lord, there are certain nobles of the senate

Newly alighted, and come to visit you.Craig1916: 184

Tim.

They are fairly welcome.

Flav.

I beseech your honour,

Vouchsafe me a word; it does concern you near.

Tim.

Near! why then another time I’ll hear thee.

I prithee, let’s be provided to show them entertainment.Craig1916: 188

Flav.

[Aside.] I scarce know how.

Enter another Servant.

Sec. Serv.

May it please your honour, Lord Lucius,

Out of his free love, hath presented to you

Four milk-white horses, trapp’d in silver.Craig1916: 192

Tim.

I shall accept them fairly; let the presents

Be worthily entertain’d.

Enter a third Servant.

How now! what news?

Third Serv.

Please you, my lord, that honourable gentleman, Lord Lucullus, entreats your company to-morrow to hunt with him, and has sent your honour two brace of greyhounds.Craig1916: 198

Tim.

I’ll hunt with him; and let them be receiv’d,

Not without fair reward.

Flav.

[Aside.] What will this come to?

He commands us to provide, and give great gifts,Craig1916: 201

And all out of an empty coffer:

Nor will he know his purse, or yield me this,

To show him what a beggar his heart is,Craig1916: 204

Being of no power to make his wishes good.

His promises fly so beyond his state

That what he speaks is all in debt; he owes

For every word: he is so kind that he nowCraig1916: 208

Pays interest for’t; his land’s put to their books.

Well, would I were gently put out of office

Before I were forc’d out!

Happier he that has no friend to feedCraig1916: 212

Than such as do e’en enemies exceed.

I bleed inwardly for my lord.

[Exit.

Tim.

You do yourselves

Much wrong, you bate too much of your own merits:

Here, my lord, a trifle of our love.Craig1916: 216

Sec. Lord.

With more than common thanks I will receive it.

Third Lord.

O! he’s the very soul of bounty.

Tim.

And now I remember, my lord, you gave

Good words the other day of a bay courserCraig1916: 220

I rode on: it is yours, because you lik’d it.

Third Lord.

O! I beseech you, pardon me, my lord, in that.

Tim.

You may take my word, my lord; I know no man

Can justly praise but what he does affect:Craig1916: 224

I weigh my friend’s affection with mine own;

I’ll tell you true. I’ll call to you.

All Lords.

O! none so welcome.

Tim.

I take all and your several visitations

So kind to heart, ’tis not enough to give;Craig1916: 228

Methinks, I could deal kingdoms to my friends,

And ne’er be weary. Alcibiades,

Thou art a soldier, therefore seldom rich;

It comes in charity to thee; for all thy living

Is ’mongst the dead, and all the lands thou hast

Lie in a pitch’d field.

Alcib.

Ay, defil’d land, my lord.

First Lord.

We are so virtuously bound,—

Tim.

And so

Am I to you.

Sec. Lord.

So infinitely endear’d,—Craig1916: 236

Tim.

All to you. Lights, more lights!

First Lord.

The best of happiness,

Honour, and fortunes, keep with you, Lord Timon!

Tim.

Ready for his friends.

[ExeuntAlcibiades, Lords, &c.

Apem.

What a coil’s here!

Edition: current; Page: [926]

Serving of becks and jutting out of bums!Craig1916: 240

I doubt whether their legs be worth the sums

That are given for ’em. Friendship’s full of dregs:

Methinks, false hearts should never have sound legs.

Thus honest fools lay out their wealth on curtsies.Craig1916: 244

Tim.

Now, Apemantus, if thou wert not sullen,

I would be good to thee.

Apem.

No, I’ll nothing; for if I should be bribed too, there would be none left to rail upon thee, and then thou wouldst sin the faster. Thou givest so long, Timon, I fear me thou wilt give away thyself in paper shortly: what need these feasts, pomps, and vain-glories?Craig1916: 252

Tim.

Nay, an you begin to rail on society once, I am sworn not to give regard to you. Farewell; and come with better music.

So would I, as good a trick as ever hangman served thief.Craig1916: 100

Fool.

Are you three usurers’ men?

All Serv.

Ay, fool.

Fool.

I think no usurer but has a fool to his servant: my mistress is one, and I am her fool. When men come to borrow of your masters, they approach sadly, and go away merry; but they enter my mistress’ house merrily, and go away sadly: the reason of this?Craig1916: 108

Var. Serv.

I could render one.

Apem.

Do it, then, that we may account thee a whoremaster and a knave; which, notwithstanding, thou shalt be no less esteemed.Craig1916: 112

Var. Serv.

What is a whoremaster, fool?

Fool.

A fool in good clothes, and something like thee. ’Tis a spirit: sometime ’t appears like a lord; sometime like a lawyer; sometime like a philosopher, with two stones more than ’s Edition: current; Page: [928] artificial one. He is very often like a knight; and generally in all shapes that man goes up and down in from fourscore to thirteen, this spirit walks in.Craig1916: 121

Var. Serv.

Thou art not altogether a fool.

Fool.

Nor thou altogether a wise man: as much foolery as I have, so much wit thou lackest.Craig1916: 125

Apem.

That answer might have become Apemantus.

All Serv.

Aside, aside; here comes Lord Timon.Craig1916: 129

Re-enterTimonandFlavius.

Apem.

Come with me, fool, come.

Fool.

I do not always follow lover, elder brother and woman; sometime the philosopher.

[ExeuntApemantusand Fool.

Flav.

Pray you, walk near: I’ll speak with you anon.

[Exeunt Servants.

Tim.

You make me marvel: wherefore, ere this time,

Had you not fully laid my state before me,

That I might so have rated my expenseCraig1916: 136

As I had leave of means?

Flav.

You would not hear me,

At many leisures I propos’d.

Tim.

Go to:

Perchance some single vantages you took,

When my indisposition put you back;Craig1916: 140

And that unaptness made your minister,

Thus to excuse yourself.

Flav.

O my good lord!

At many times I brought in my accounts,

Laid them before you; you would throw them off,Craig1916: 144

And say you found them in mine honesty.

When for some trifling present you have bid me

Return so much, I have shook my head, and wept;

Yea, ’gainst the authority of manners, pray’d youCraig1916: 148

To hold your hand more close: I did endure

Not seldom, nor no slight checks, when I have

Prompted you in the ebb of your estate

And your great flow of debts. My loved lord,Craig1916: 152

Though you hear now, too late, yet now’s a time,

The greatest of your having lacks a half

To pay your present debts.

Tim.

Let all my land be sold.

Flav.

’Tis all engag’d, some forfeited and gone;Craig1916: 156

And what remains will hardly stop the mouth

Of present dues; the future comes apace:

What shall defend the interim? and at length

How goes our reckoning?Craig1916: 160

Tim.

To Lacedæmon did my land extend.

Flav.

O my good lord! the world is but a word;

Were it all yours to give it in a breath,

How quickly were it gone!

Tim.

You tell me true.Craig1916: 164

Flav.

If you suspect my husbandry or falsehood,

Call me before the exactest auditors,

And set me on the proof. So the gods bless me,

When all our offices have been oppress’dCraig1916: 168

With riotous feeders, when our vaults have wept

With drunken spilth of wine, when every room

Hath blaz’d with lights and bray’d with minstrelsy,

I have retir’d me to a wasteful cock,Craig1916: 172

And set mine eyes at flow.

Tim.

Prithee, no more.

Flav.

Heavens! have I said, the bounty of this lord!

How many prodigal bits have slaves and peasants

This night englutted! Who is not Timon’s?Craig1916: 176

What heart, head, sword, force, means, but is Lord Timon’s?

Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon!

Ah! when the means are gone that buy this praise,Craig1916: 179

The breath is gone whereof this praise is made:

Feast-won, fast-lost; one cloud of winter showers,

These flies are couch’d.

Tim.

Come, sermon me no further;

No villanous bounty yet hath pass’d my heart;

Unwisely, not ignobly, have I given.Craig1916: 184

Why dost thou weep? Canst thou the conscience lack,

To think I shall lack friends? Secure thy heart;

If I would broach the vessels of my love,

And try the argument of hearts by borrowing,

Men and men’s fortunes could I frankly useCraig1916: 189

As I can bid thee speak.

Flav.

Assurance bless your thoughts!

Tim.

And, in some sort, these wants of mine are crown’d,

That I account them blessings; for by theseCraig1916: 192

Shall I try friends. You shall perceive how you

Mistake my fortunes; I am wealthy in my friends.

Within there! Flaminius! Servilius!

EnterFlaminius, Servilius,and other Servants.

Serv.

My lord! my lord!Craig1916: 196

Tim.

I will dispatch you severally: you, to Lord Lucius; to Lord Lucullus you: I hunted with his honour to-day; you, to Sempronius. Commend me to their loves; and I am proud, say, that my occasions have found time to use Edition: current; Page: [929] them toward a supply of money: let the request be fifty talents.

With those five talents. [Exit Servant.] [ToFlavius.] That had, give’t these fellows

To whom ’tis instant due. Ne’er speak, or think

That Timon’s fortunes ’mong his friends can sink.

Flav.

I would I could not think it: that thought is bounty’s foe;Craig1916: 242

Being free itself, it thinks all others so.

[Exeunt.

ACT III.

Scene I.—: Athens. A Room inLucullus’ House.

Flaminiuswaiting. Enter a Servant to him.

Serv.

I have told my lord of you; he is coming down to you.

Flam.

I thank you, sir.

EnterLucullus.

Serv.

Here’s my lord.Craig1916: 4

Lucul.

[Aside.] One of Lord Timon’s men! a gift, I warrant. Why, this hits right; I dreamt of a silver bason and ewer to-night. Flaminius, honest Flaminius, you are very respectively welcome, sir. Fill me some wine. [Exit Servant.] And how does that honourable, complete, free-hearted gentleman of Athens, thy very bountiful good lord and master?Craig1916: 12

Flam.

His health is well, sir.

Lucul.

I am right glad that his health is well, sir. And what hast thou there under thy cloak, pretty Flaminius?Craig1916: 16

Flam.

Faith, nothing but an empty box, sir; which, in my lord’s behalf, I come to entreat your honour to supply; who, having great and instant occasion to use fifty talents, hath sent to your lordship to furnish him, nothing doubting your present assistance therein.Craig1916: 22

Lucul.

La, la, la, la! ‘nothing doubting,’ says he? Alas! good lord; a noble gentleman ’tis, if he would not keep so good a house. Many a time and often I ha’ dined with him, and told him on’t; and come again to supper to him, of purpose to have him spend less; and yet he would embrace no counsel, take no warning by my coming. Every man has his fault, and honesty is his; I ha’ told him on’t, but I could ne’er get him from it.Craig1916: 32

Re-enter Servant with wine.

Serv.

Please your lordship, here is the wine.

Lucul.

Flaminius, I have noted thee always wise. Here’s to thee.

Flam.

Your lordship speaks your pleasure.Craig1916: 36

Lucul.

I have observed thee always for a towardly prompt spirit, give thee thy due, and one that knows what belongs to reason; and canst use the time well, if the time use thee well: good parts in thee. [To the Servant.]—Get you gone, sirrah.—[Exit Servant.] Draw nearer, honest Flaminius. Thy lord’s a bountiful gentleman; but thou art wise, and thou knowest well enough, although thou comest to me, that this is no time to lend money, especially upon bare friendship, without security. Here’s three solidares Edition: current; Page: [930] for thee: good boy, wink at me, and say thou sawest me not. Fare thee well.Craig1916: 49

Flam.

Is’t possible the world should so much differ,

And we alive that liv’d? Fly, damned baseness,

To him that worships thee.Craig1916: 52

[Throwing the money away.

Lucul.

Ha! now I see thou art a fool, and fit for thy master.

[Exit.

Flam.

May these add to the number that may scald thee!

Let molten coin be thy damnation,Craig1916: 56

Thou disease of a friend, and not himself!

Has friendship such a faint and milky heart

It turns in less than two nights? O you gods!

I feel my master’s passion. This slave unto his honourCraig1916: 60

Has my lord’s meat in him:

Why should it thrive and turn to nutriment

When he is turn’d to poison?

O! may diseases only work upon ’t,Craig1916: 64

And, when he’s sick to death, let not that part of nature

Which my lord paid for, be of any power

To expel sickness, but prolong his hour.

[Exit.

Scene II.—: The Same. A Public Place.

EnterLucius,with three Strangers.

Luc.

Who, the Lord Timon? he is my very good friend, and an honourable gentleman.

First Stran.

We know him for no less, though we are but strangers to him. But I can tell you one thing, my lord, and which I hear from common rumours: now Lord Timon’s happy hours are done and past, and his estate shrinks from him.Craig1916: 8

Luc.

Fie, no, do not believe it; he cannot want for money.

Sec. Stran.

But believe you this, my lord, that, not long ago, one of his men was with the Lord Lucullus, to borrow so many talents, nay, urged extremely for ’t, and showed what necessity belonged to ’t, and yet was denied.

Luc.

How!Craig1916: 16

Sec. Stran.

I tell you, denied, my lord.

Luc.

What a strange case was that! now, before the gods, I am ashamed on ’t. Denied that honourable man! there was very little honour showed in ’t. For my own part, I must needs confess, I have received some small kindnesses from him, as money, plate, jewels, and such like trifles, nothing comparing to his; yet, had he mistook him, and sent to me, I should ne’er have denied his occasion so many talents.Craig1916: 26

EnterServilius.

Servil.

See, by good hap, yonder’s my lord; I have sweat to see his honour. [ToLucius.] My honoured lord!

Ha! what has he sent? I am so much endeared to that lord; he’s ever sending: how shall I thank him, thinkest thou? And what has he sent now?Craig1916: 38

Servil.

He has only sent his present occasion now, my lord; requesting your lordship to supply his instant use with so many talents.Craig1916: 41

Luc.

I know his lordship is but merry with me;

He cannot want fifty-five hundred talents.

Servil.

But in the mean time he wants less, my lord.Craig1916: 44

If his occasion were not virtuous,

I should not urge it half so faithfully.

Luc.

Dost thou speak seriously, Servilius?

Servil.

Upon my soul, ’tis true, sir.Craig1916: 48

Luc.

What a wicked beast was I to disfurnish myself against such a good time, when I might ha’ shown myself honourable! how unluckily it happened, that I should purchase the day before for a little part, and undo a great deal of honour! Servilius, now, before the gods, I am not able to do; the more beast, I say; I was sending to use Lord Timon myself, these gentlemen can witness; but I would not, for the wealth of Athens, I had done it now. Commend me bountifully to his good lordship; and I hope his honour will conceive the fairest of me, because I have no power to be kind: and tell him this from me, I count it one of my greatest afflictions say, that I cannot pleasure such an honourable gentleman. Good Servilius, will you befriend me so far as to use mine own words to him?Craig1916: 66

Servil.

Yes, sir, I shall.

Luc.

I’ll look you out a good turn, Servilius.

[ExitServilius.

True, as you said, Timon is shrunk indeed;

And he that’s once denied will hardly speed.

[Exit.

First Stran.

Do you observe this, Hostilius?

Sec. Stran.

Ay, too well.

First Stran.

Why this is the world’s soul; and just of the same pieceCraig1916: 72

Is every flatterer’s spirit. Who can call him

His friend that dips in the same dish? for, in

My knowing, Timon has been this lord’s father,

Edition: current; Page: [931]

And kept his credit with his purse,Craig1916: 76

Supported his estate; nay, Timon’s money

Has paid his men their wages: he ne’er drinks

But Timon’s silver treads upon his lip;

And yet, O! see the monstrousness of man,Craig1916: 80

When he looks out in an ungrateful shape,

He does deny him, in respect of his,

What charitable men afford to beggars.

Third Stran.

Religion groans at it.

First Stran.

For mine own part,Craig1916: 84

I never tasted Timon in my life,

Nor came any of his bounties over me,

To mark me for his friend; yet, I protest,

For his right noble mind, illustrious virtue,Craig1916: 88

And honourable carriage,

Had his necessity made use of me,

I would have put my wealth into donation,

And the best half should have return’d to him,Craig1916: 92

So much I love his heart. But, I perceive,

Men must learn now with pity to dispense;

For policy sits above conscience.

[Exeunt.

Scene III.—: The Same. A Room inSempronius’sHouse.

EnterSemproniusand a Servant ofTimon’s.

Sem.

Must he needs trouble me in ’t. Hum! ’bove all others?

He might have tried Lord Lucius, or Lucullus;

And now Ventidius is wealthy too,

Whom he redeem’d from prison: all theseCraig1916: 4

Owe their estates unto him.

Serv.

My lord,

They have all been touch’d and found base metal, for

They have all denied him.

Sem.

How! have they denied him?

Have Ventidius and Lucullus denied him?Craig1916: 8

And does he send to me? Three? hum!

It shows but little love or judgment in him:

Must I be his last refuge? His friends, like physicians,

Thrice give him over; must I take the cure upon me?Craig1916: 12

He has much disgrac’d me in ’t; I’m angry at him,

That might have known my place. I see no sense for ’t,

But his occasions might have woo’d me first;

For, in my conscience, I was the first manCraig1916: 16

That e’er received gift from him:

And does he think so backwardly of me now,

That I’ll requite it last? No:

So it may prove an argument of laughterCraig1916: 20

To the rest, and I ’mongst lords be thought a fool.

I had rather than the worth of thrice the sum,

He had sent to me first, but for my mind’s sake;

I’d such a courage to do him good. But now return,Craig1916: 24

And with their faint reply this answer join;

Who bates mine honour shall not know my coin.

[Exit.

Serv.

Excellent! Your lordship’s a goodly villain. The devil knew not what he did when he made man politic; he crossed himself by ’t: and I cannot think but in the end the villanies of man will set him clear. How fairly this lord strives to appear foul! takes virtuous copies to be wicked, like those that under hot ardent zeal would set whole realms on fire:

No matter what; he’s poor, and that’s revenge enough. Who can speak broader than he that has no house to put his head in? such may rail against great buildings.

EnterServilius.

Tit.

O! here’s Servilius; now we shall know some answer.Craig1916: 68

Servil.

If I might beseech you, gentlemen, to repair some other hour, I should derive much from ’t; for, take ’t of my soul, my lord leans wondrously to discontent. His comfortable temper has forsook him; he’s much out of health, and keeps his chamber.

Luc. Serv.

Many do keep their chambers are not sick:

And, if it be so far beyond his health,Craig1916: 76

Methinks he should the sooner pay his debts,

And make a clear way to the gods.

Servil.

Good gods!

Tit.

We cannot take this for answer, sir.

Flam.

[Within.] Servilius, help! my lord! my lord!Craig1916: 80

EnterTimon,in a rage;Flaminiusfollowing.

Tim.

What! are my doors oppos’d against my passage?

Have I been ever free, and must my house

Be my retentive enemy, my gaol?

The place which I have feasted, does it now,Craig1916: 84

Like all mankind, show me an iron heart?

Luc. Serv.

Put in now, Titus.

Tit.

My lord, here is my bill.

Luc. Serv.

Here’s mine.Craig1916: 88

Hor.

And mine, my lord.

Both Var. Serv.

And ours, my lord.

Phi.

All our bills.

Tim.

Knock me down with ’em: cleave me to the girdle.Craig1916: 92

Luc. Serv.

Alas! my lord,—

Tim.

Cut my heart in sums.

Tit.

Mine, fifty talents.

Tim.

Tell out my blood.Craig1916: 96

Edition: current; Page: [933]

Luc. Serv.

Five thousand crowns, my lord.

Tim.

Five thousand drops pays that. What yours? and yours?

First Var. Serv.

My lord,—

Sec. Var. Serv.

My lord,—Craig1916: 100

Tim.

Tear me, take me; and the gods fall upon you!

[Exit.

Hor.

Faith, I perceive our masters may throw their caps at their money: these debts may well be called desperate ones, for a madman owes ’em.

Scene VI.—: The Same. A Room of State inTimon’sHouse.

I also wish it you. I think this honourable lord did but try us this other day.Craig1916: 3

First Lord.

Upon that were my thoughts tiring when we encountered: I hope it is not so low with him as he made it seem in the trial of his several friends.

Sec. Lord.

It should not be, by the persuasion of his new feasting.Craig1916: 9

First Lord.

I should think so: he hath sent me an earnest inviting, which many my near occasions did urge me to put off; but he hath conjured me beyond them, and I must needs appear.Craig1916: 14

Sec. Lord.

In like manner was I in debt to my importunate business, but he would not hear my excuse. I am sorry, when he sent to borrow of me, that my provision was out.

First Lord.

I am sick of that grief too, as I understand how all things go.Craig1916: 20

Sec. Lord.

Every man here’s so. What would he have borrowed you?

First Lord.

A thousand pieces.

Sec. Lord.

A thousand pieces!Craig1916: 24

First Lord.

What of you?

Third Lord

He sent to me, sir,—Here he comes.

EnterTimonand Attendants.

Tim.

With all my heart, gentlemen both; and how fare you?Craig1916: 29

First Lord.

Ever at the best, hearing well of your lordship.

Sec. Lord.

The swallow follows not summer more willing than we your lordship.Craig1916: 33

Tim.

[Aside.] Nor more willingly leaves winter; such summer-birds are men. Gentlemen, our dinner will not recompense this long stay: feast your ears with the music awhile, Edition: current; Page: [935] if they will fare so harshly o’ the trumpet’s sound; we shall to ’t presently.Craig1916: 39

First Lord.

I hope it remains not unkindly with your lordship that I returned you an empty messenger.

Tim.

O! sir, let it not trouble you.

Sec. Lord.

My noble lord,—Craig1916: 44

Tim.

Ah! my good friend, what cheer?

Sec. Lord.

My most honourable lord, I am e’en sick of shame, that when your lordship this other day sent to me I was so unfortunate a beggar.

Each man to his stool, with that spur as he would to the lip of his mistress; your diet shall be in all places alike. Make not a city feast of it, to let the meat cool ere we can agree upon the first place: sit, sit. The gods require our thanks.—Craig1916: 78

You great benefactors sprinkle our society with thankfulness. For your own gifts, make yourselves praised: but reserve still to give, lest your deities be despised. Lend to each man enough, that one need not lend to another; for, were your godheads to borrow of men, men would forsake the gods. Make the meat be beloved more than the man that gives it. Let no assembly of twenty be without a score of villains: if there sit twelve women at the table, let a dozen of them be as they are. The rest of your fees, O gods! the senators of Athens, together with the common lag of people, what is amiss in them, you gods, make suitable for destruction. For these my present friends, as they are to me nothing, so in nothing bless them, and to nothing are they welcome.

Uncover, dogs, and lap.Craig1916: 96

[The dishes uncovered are full of warm water.

Some speak.

What does his lordship mean?

Some other.

I know not.

Tim.

May you a better feast never behold,

You knot of mouth-friends! smoke and lukewarm waterCraig1916: 100

Is your perfection. This is Timon’s last;

Who, stuck and spangled with your flatteries,

Washes it off, and sprinkles in your faces

[Throwing the water in their faces.

Your reeking villany. Live loath’d, and long,Craig1916: 104

Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites,

Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,

You fools of fortune, trencher-friends, time’s flies,

Cap and knee slaves, vapours, and minute-jacks!

Of man and beast the infinite maladyCraig1916: 109

Crust you quite o’er! What! dost thou go?

Soft! take thy physic first,—thou too,—and thou;—

Stay, I will lend thee money, borrow none.Craig1916: 112

[Throws the dishes at them.

What! all in motion? Henceforth be no feast,

Whereat a villain’s not a welcome guest.

Burn, house! sink, Athens! henceforth hated be

Of Timon man and all humanity!

[Exit.

Re-enter the Lords, Senators, &c.

First Lord.

How now, my lords!Craig1916: 117

Sec. Lord.

Know you the quality of Lord Timon’s fury?

Third Lord.

Push! did you see my cap?Craig1916: 120

Fourth Lord.

I have lost my gown.

First Lord.

He’s but a mad lord, and nought but humour sways him. He gave me a jewel th’ other day, and now he has beat it out of my hat: did you see my jewel?Craig1916: 125

The middle of humanity thou never knewest, but the extremity of both ends. When thou wast in thy gilt and thy perfume, they mocked thee for too much curiosity; in thy rags thou knowest none, but art despised for the contrary. There’s a medlar for thee; eat it.

What things in the world canst thou nearest compare to thy flatterers?

Tim.

Women nearest; but men, men are the things themselves. What wouldst thou do with the world, Apemantus, if it lay in thy power?

Apem.

Give it the beasts, to be rid of the men.Craig1916: 324

Tim.

Wouldst thou have thyself fall in the confusion of men, and remain a beast with the beasts?

Apem.

Ay, Timon.Craig1916: 328

Edition: current; Page: [941]

Tim.

A beastly ambition, which the gods grant thee to attain to. If thou wert the lion, the fox would beguile thee; if thou wert the lamb, the fox would eat thee; if thou wert the fox, the lion would suspect thee, when peradventure thou wert accused by the ass; if thou wert the ass, thy dulness would torment thee, and still thou livedst but as a breakfast to the wolf; if thou wert the wolf, thy greediness would afflict thee, and oft thou shouldst hazard thy life for thy dinner; wert thou the unicorn, pride and wrath would confound thee and make thine own self the conquest of thy fury; wert thou a bear, thou wouldst be killed by the horse; wert thou a horse, thou wouldst be seized by the leopard; wert thou a leopard, thou wert german to the lion, and the spots of thy kindred were jurors on thy life; all thy safety were remotion, and thy defence absence. What beast couldst thou be, that were not subject to a beast? and what a beast art thou already, that seest not thy loss in transformation!Craig1916: 351

Apem.

If thou couldst please me with speaking to me, thou mightst have hit upon it here; the commonwealth of Athens is become a forest of beasts.

Tim.

How has the ass broke the wall, that thou art out of the city?Craig1916: 357

Apem.

Yonder comes a poet and a painter: the plague of company light upon thee! I will fear to catch it, and give way. When I know not what else to do, I’ll see thee again.Craig1916: 361

Tim.

When there is nothing living but thee, thou shalt be welcome. I had rather be a beggar’s dog than Apemantus.Craig1916: 364

Apem.

Thou art the cap of all the fools alive.

Tim.

Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!

Apem.

A plague on thee! thou art too bad to curse!

Tim.

All villains that do stand by thee are pure.Craig1916: 368

Apem.

There is no leprosy but what thou speak’st.

Tim.

If I name thee.

I’ll beat thee, but I should infect my hands.

Apem.

I would my tongue could rot them off!

Tim.

Away, thou issue of a mangy dog!Craig1916: 373

Choler does kill me that thou art alive;

I swound to see thee.

Apem.

Would thou wouldst burst!

Tim.

Away,

Thou tedious rogue! I am sorry I shall loseCraig1916: 376

A stone by thee.

[Throws a stone at him.

Apem.

Beast!

Tim.

Slave!

Apem.

Toad!

Tim.

Rogue, rogue, rogue!

I am sick of this false world, and will love nought

But even the mere necessities upon ’t.

Then, Timon, presently prepare thy grave;Craig1916: 380

Lie where the light foam of the sea may beat

Thy grave-stone daily: make thine epitaph,

That death in me at others’ lives may laugh.

[Looking on the gold.

O thou sweet king-killer, and dear divorceCraig1916: 384

’Twixt natural son and sire! thou bright defiler

Of Hymen’s purest bed! thou valiant Mars!

Thou ever young, fresh, lov’d, and delicate wooer,

Whose blush doth thaw the consecrated snow

That lies on Dian’s lap! thou visible god,Craig1916: 389

That solder’st close impossibilities,

And mak’st them kiss! that speak’st with every tongue,

To every purpose! O thou touch of hearts!Craig1916: 392

Think, thy slave man rebels, and by thy virtue

Set them into confounding odds, that beasts

May have the world in empire.

Apem.

Would ’twere so:

But not till I am dead; I’ll say thou’st gold:

Thou wilt be throng’d to shortly.

Tim.

Throng’d to?

Apem.

Ay.

Tim.

Thy back, I prithee.

Apem.

Live, and love thy misery!

Tim.

Long live so, and so die!

[ExitApemantus.

I am quit.

More things like men! Eat, Timon, and abhor them.Craig1916: 400

Enter Thieves.

First Thief.

Where should he have this gold? It is some poor fragment, some slender ort of his remainder. The mere want of gold, and the falling-from of his friends, drove him into this melancholy.Craig1916: 405

Sec. Thief.

It is noised he hath a mass of treasure.

Third Thief.

Let us make the assay upon him: if he care not for ’t, he will supply us easily; if he covetously reserve it, how shall’s get it?

Sec. Thief.

True; for he bears it not about him, ’tis hid.Craig1916: 412

First Thief.

Is not this he?

Thieves.

Where?

Sec. Thief.

’Tis his description.

Third Thief.

He; I know him.Craig1916: 416

All.

Save thee, Timon.

Tim.

Now, thieves?

Edition: current; Page: [942]

All.

Soldiers, not thieves.

Tim.

Both too; and women’s sons.Craig1916: 420

Thieves.

We are not thieves, but men that much do want.

Tim.

Your greatest want is, you want much of meat.

Why should you want? Behold, the earth hath roots;

Within this mile break forth a hundred springs;

The oaks bear mast, the briers scarlet hips;Craig1916: 425

The bounteous housewife, nature, on each bush

Lays her full mess before you. Want! why want?

First Thief.

We cannot live on grass, on berries, water,Craig1916: 428

As beasts, and birds, and fishes.

Tim.

Nor on the beasts themselves, the birds, and fishes;

You must eat men. Yet thanks I must you con

That you are thieves profess’d, that you work notCraig1916: 432

In holier shapes; for there is boundless theft

In limited professions. Rascal thieves,

Here’s gold. Go, suck the subtle blood o’ the grape,Craig1916: 435

Till the high fever seethe your blood to froth,

And so ’scape hanging: trust not the physician;

His antidotes are poison, and he slays

More than you rob: take wealth and lives together;

Do villany, do, since you protest to do’t,Craig1916: 440

Like workmen. I’ll example you with thievery:

The sun’s a thief, and with his great attraction

Robs the vast sea; the moon’s an arrant thief,

And her pale fire she snatches from the sun;Craig1916: 444

The sea’s a thief, whose liquid surge resolves

The moon into salt tears; the earth’s a thief,

That feeds and breeds by a composture stolen

From general excrement, each thing’s a thief;

The laws, your curb and whip, in their rough powerCraig1916: 449

Have uncheck’d theft. Love not yourselves; away!

Rob one another. There’s more gold: cut throats;

All that you meet are thieves. To Athens go,

Break open shops; nothing can you stealCraig1916: 453

But thieves do lose it: steal no less for this

I give you; and gold confound you howsoe’er!

Amen.Craig1916: 456

Third Thief.

He has almost charmed me from my profession, by persuading me to it.

First Thief.

’Tis in the malice of mankind that he thus advises us; not to have us thrive in our mystery.Craig1916: 461

Sec. Thief.

I’ll believe him as an enemy, and give over my trade.

First Thief.

Let us first see peace in Athens; there is no time so miserable but a man may be true.

[Exeunt Thieves.

EnterFlavius.

Flav.

O you gods!

Is yond despised and ruinous man my lord?Craig1916: 468

Full of decay and failing? O monument

And wonder of good deeds evilly bestow’d!

What an alteration of honour

Has desperate want made!Craig1916: 472

What viler thing upon the earth than friends

Who can bring noblest minds to basest ends!

How rarely does it meet with this time’s guise,

When man was wish’d to love his enemies!Craig1916: 476

Grant I may ever love, and rather woo

Those that would mischief me than those that do!

He hath caught me in his eye: I will present

My honest grief unto him; and, as my lord,Craig1916: 480

Still serve him with my life. My dearest master!

Timoncomes forward.

Tim.

Away! what art thou?

Flav.

Have you forgot me, sir?

Tim.

Why dost ask that? I have forgot all men;

Then, if thou grant’st thou’rt a man, I have forgot thee.Craig1916: 484

Flav.

An honest poor servant of yours.

Tim.

Then I know thee not:

I never had an honest man about me; ay all

I kept were knaves, to serve in meat to villains.

Flav.

The gods are witness,Craig1916: 488

Ne’er did poor steward wear a truer grief

For his undone lord than mine eyes for you.

Tim.

What! dost thou weep? Come nearer. Then I love thee,

Because thou art a woman, and disclaim’stCraig1916: 492

Flinty mankind; whose eyes do never give,

But thorough lust and laughter. Pity’s sleeping:

Strange times, that weep with laughing, not with weeping!

Flav.

I beg of you to know me, good my lord,

To accept my grief and whilst this poor wealth lastsCraig1916: 497

To entertain me as your steward still.

Tim.

Had I a steward

So true, so just, and now so comfortable?Craig1916: 500

It almost turns my dangerous nature mild.

Let me behold thy face. Surely, this man

Was born of woman.

Forgive my general and exceptless rashness,Craig1916: 504

You perpetual sober gods! I do proclaim

One honest man, mistake me not, but one;

No more, I pray, and he’s a steward.

How fain would I have hated all mankind!Craig1916: 508

Edition: current; Page: [943]

And thou redeem’st thyself: but all, save thee,

I fell with curses.

Methinks thou art more honest now than wise;

For, by oppressing and betraying me,Craig1916: 512

Thou mightst have sooner got another service:

For many so arrive at second masters

Upon their first lord’s neck. But tell me true,—

For I must ever doubt, though ne’er so sure,—

Is not thy kindness subtle, covetous,Craig1916: 517

If not a usuring kindness and as rich men deal gifts,

Expecting in return twenty for one?

Flav.

No, my most worthy master; in whose breastCraig1916: 520

Doubt and suspect, alas! are plac’d too late.

You should have fear’d false times when you did feast;

Suspect still comes when an estate is least.

That which I show, heaven knows, is merely love,

Duty and zeal to your unmatched mind,Craig1916: 525

Care of your food and living; and, believe it,

My most honour’d lord,

For any benefit that points to me,Craig1916: 528

Either in hope, or present, I’d exchange

For this one wish, that you had power and wealth

To requite me by making rich yourself.

Tim.

Look thee, ’tis so. Thou singly honest man,Craig1916: 532

Here, take: the gods out of my misery,

Have sent thee treasure. Go, live rich and happy;

But thus condition’d: thou shalt build from men;

Hate all, curse all, show charity to none,Craig1916: 536

But let the famish’d flesh slide from the bone,

Ere thou relieve the beggar; give to dogs

What thou deny’st to men; let prisons swallow ’em,

Debts wither ’em to nothing; be men like blasted woods,Craig1916: 540

And may diseases lick up their false bloods!

And so, farewell and thrive.

Flav.

O! let me stay

And comfort you, my master.

Tim.

If thou hatest

Curses, stay not; fly, whilst thou’rt bless’d and free:Craig1916: 544

Ne’er see thou man, and let me ne’er see thee.

[Exeunt, severally.

ACT V.

Scene I.—: The Woods. BeforeTimon’sCave.

Enter Poet and Painter.

Pain.

As I took note of the place, it cannot be far where he abides.

Poet.

What’s to be thought of him? Does the rumour hold for true that he is so full of gold?Craig1916: 5

Pain.

Certain: Alcibiades reports it; Phrynia and Timandra had gold of him: he likewise enriched poor straggling soldiers with great quantity. ’Tis said he gave unto his steward a mighty sum.Craig1916: 10

Poet.

Then this breaking of his has been but a try for his friends.

Pain.

Nothing else; you shall see him a palm in Athens again, and flourish with the highest. Therefore ’tis not amiss we tender our loves to him, in this supposed distress of his: it will show honestly in us, and is very likely to load our purposes with what they travel for, if it be a just and true report that goes of his having.

Poet.

What have you now to present unto him?

Pain.

Nothing at this time but my visitation; only, I will promise him an excellent piece.Craig1916: 22

Poet.

I must serve him so too; tell him of an intent that’s coming towards him.

Pain.

Good as the best. Promising is the very air o’ the time; it opens the eyes of expectation; performance is ever the duller for his act; and, but in the plainer and simpler kind of people, the deed of saying is quite out of use. To promise is most courtly and fashionable; performance is a kind of will or testament which argues a great sickness in his judgment that makes it.Craig1916: 33

EnterTimonfrom his cave.

Tim.

[Aside.] Excellent workman! Thou canst not paint a man so bad as is thyself.

Poet.

I am thinking what I shall say I have provided for him: it must be a personating of himself; a satire against the softness of prosperity, with a discovery of the infinite flatteries that follow youth and opulency.Craig1916: 40

Tim.

[Aside.] Must thou needs stand for a villain in thine own work? Wilt thou whip thine own faults in other men? Do so, I have gold for thee.Craig1916: 44

Poet.

Nay, let’s seek him:

Then do we sin against our own estate,

When we may profit meet, and come too late.

Pain.

True;Craig1916: 48

When the day serves, before black-corner’d night,

Find what thou want’st by free and offer’d light.

Come.

Tim.

[Aside.] I’ll meet you at the turn. What a god’s gold,Craig1916: 52

That he is worshipp’d in a baser temple

Than where swine feed!

’Tis thou that rigg’st the bark and plough’st the foam,

Edition: current; Page: [944]

Settlest admired reverence in a slave:Craig1916: 56

To thee be worship; and thy saints for aye

Be crown’d with plagues that thee alone obey.

Fit I meet them.

[Advancing.

Poet.

Hail, worthy Timon!

Pain.

Our late noble master!Craig1916: 60

Tim.

Have I once liv’d to see two honest men?

Poet.

Sir,

Having often of your open bounty tasted,Craig1916: 63

Hearing you were retir’d, your friends fall’n off,

Whose thankless natures—O abhorred spirits!

Not all the whips of heaven are large enough—

What! to you,

Whose star-like nobleness gave life and influence

To their whole being! I am rapt, and cannot coverCraig1916: 69

The monstrous bulk of this ingratitude

With any size of words.

Tim.

Let it go naked, men may see ’t the better:Craig1916: 72

You, that are honest, by being what you are,

Make them best seen and known.

Pain.

He and myself

Have travell’d in the great shower of your gifts,

And sweetly felt it.

Tim.

Ay, you are honest men.Craig1916: 76

Pain.

We are hither come to offer you our service.

Tim.

Most honest men! Why, how shall I requite you?

Can you eat roots and drink cold water? no.

Both.

What we can do, we’ll do, to do you service.Craig1916: 80

Tim.

Ye’re honest men. Ye’ve heard that I have gold;

I am sure you have: speak truth; ye’re honest men.

Pain.

So it is said, my noble lord; but therefore

Came not my friend nor I.Craig1916: 84

Tim.

Good honest men! Thou draw’st a counterfeit

Best in all Athens: thou’rt, indeed, the best;

Thou counterfeit’st most lively.

Pain.

So, so, my lord.

Tim.

E’en so, sir, as I say. And, for thy fiction,Craig1916: 88

Why, thy verse swells with stuff so fine and smooth

That thou art even natural in thine art.

But for all this, my honest-natur’d friends,

I must needs say you have a little fault:Craig1916: 92

Marry, ’tis not monstrous in you, neither wish I

You take much pains to mend.

Both.

Beseech your honour

To make it known to us.

Tim.

You’ll take it ill.

Both.

Most thankfully, my lord.

Tim.

Will you indeed?Craig1916: 96

Both.

Doubt it not, worthy lord.

Tim.

There’s never a one of you but trusts a knave,

That mightily deceives you.

Both.

Do we, my lord?

Tim.

Ay, and you hear him cog, see him dissemble,Craig1916: 100

Know his gross patchery, love him, feed him,

Keep in your bosom; yet remain assur’d

That he’s a made-up villain.

Pain.

I know none such, my lord.

Poet.

Nor I.Craig1916: 104

Tim.

Look you, I love you well; I’ll give you gold,

Rid me these villains from your companies:

Hang them or stab them, drown them in a draught,

Confound them by some course, and come to me,Craig1916: 108

I’ll give you gold enough.

Both.

Name them, my lord; let’s know them.

Tim.

You that way and you this, but two in company;

Each man apart, all single and alone,Craig1916: 112

Yet an arch villain keeps him company.

If, where thou art two villains shall not be,

Come not near him. [To the Poet.] If thou would not reside

But where one villain is, then him abandon.

Hence! pack! there’s gold; ye came for gold, ye slaves:Craig1916: 117

You have done work for me, there’s payment: hence!

You are an alchemist, make gold of that.

Out, rascal dogs!Craig1916: 120

[Beats them out and then returns to his cave.

EnterFlaviusand two Senators.

Flav.

It is in vain that you would speak with Timon;

For he is set so only to himself

That nothing but himself, which looks like man,

Is friendly with him.

First Sen.

Bring us to his cave:Craig1916: 124

It is our part and promise to the Athenians

To speak with Timon.

Sec. Sen.

At all times alike

Men are not still the same: ’twas time and griefs

That fram’d him thus: time, with his fairer hand,Craig1916: 128

Offering the fortunes of his former days,

The former man may make him. Bring us to him,

And chance it as it may.

Flav.

Here is his cave.Craig1916: 131

Peace and content be here! Lord Timon! Timon!

Edition: current; Page: [945]

Look out, and speak to friends. The Athenians,

By two of their most reverend senate, greet thee:

Speak to them, noble Timon.

EnterTimon,from his cave.

Tim.

Thousun, that comfort’st, burn! Speak, and be hang’d:Craig1916: 136

For each true word, a blister! and each false

Be as a cauterizing to the root o’the tongue,

Consuming it with speaking!

First Sen.

Worthy Timon,—

Tim.

Of none but such as you, and you of Timon.Craig1916: 140

Sec. Sen.

The senators of Athens greet thee, Timon.

Tim.

I thank them; and would send them back the plague,

Could I but catch it for them.

First Sen.

O! forget

What we are sorry for ourselves in thee.Craig1916: 144

The senators with one consent of love

Entreat thee back to Athens; who have thought

On special dignities, which vacant lie

For thy best use and wearing.

Sec. Sen.

They confessCraig1916: 148

Toward thee forgetfulness to general, gross;

Which now the public body, which doth seldom

Play the recanter, feeling in itself

A lack of Timon’s aid, hath sense withalCraig1916: 152

Of its own fail, restraining aid to Timon;

And send forth us, to make their sorrow’d render,

Together with a recompense more fruitful

Than their offence can weigh down by the dram;

Ay, even such heaps and sums of love and wealth

As shall to thee block out what wrongs were theirs,

And write in thee the figures of their love,

Ever to read them thine.

Tim.

You witch me in it;Craig1916: 160

Surprise me to the very brink of tears:

Lend me a fool’s heart and a woman’s eyes,

And I’ll beweep these comforts, worthy senators.

First Sen.

Therefore so please thee to return with us,Craig1916: 164

And of our Athens—thine and ours—to take

The captainship, thou shalt be met with thanks,

Allow’d with absolute power, and thy good name

Live with authority: so soon we shall drive back

Of Alcibiades the approaches wild;Craig1916: 169

Who, like a boar too savage, doth root up

His country’s peace.

Sec. Sen.

And shakes his threat’ning sword

Against the walls of Athens.

First Sen.

Therefore, Timon,—Craig1916: 172

Tim.

Well, sir, I will; therefore, I will, sir; thus:—

If Alcibiades kill my countrymen,

Let Alcibiades know this of Timon,

That Timon cares not. But if he sack fair Athens,Craig1916: 176

And take our goodly aged men by the beards,

Giving our holy virgins to the stain

Of contumelious, beastly, mad-brain’d war;

Then let him know, and tell him Timon speaks it,Craig1916: 180

In pity of our aged and our youth

I cannot choose but tell him, that I care not,

And let him take’t at worst; for their knives care not

While you have throats to answer: for myself,

There’s not a whittle in the unruly campCraig1916: 185

But I do prize it at my love before

The reverend’st throat in Athens. So I leave you

To the protection of the prosperous gods,Craig1916: 188

As thieves to keepers.

Flav.

Stay not; all’s in vain.

Tim.

Why, I was writing of my epitaph;

It will be seen to-morrow. My long sickness

Of health and living now begins to mend,Craig1916: 192

And nothing brings me all things. Go; live still:

Be Alcibiades your plague, you his,

And last so long enough!

First Sen.

We speak in vain.

Tim.

But yet I love my country, and am notCraig1916: 196

One that rejoices in the common wrack,

As common bruit doth put it.

First Sen.

That’s well spoke.

Tim.

Commend me to my loving countrymen,—

First Sen.

These words become your lips as they pass through them.Craig1916: 200

Sec. Sen.

And enter in our ears like great triumphers

In their applauding gates.

Tim.

Commend me to them;

And tell them, that, to ease them of their griefs,

Their fears of hostile strokes, their aches, losses,

Their pangs of love, with other incident throes

That nature’s fragile vessel doth sustain

In life’s uncertain voyage, I will some kindness do them:

I’ll teach them to prevent wild Alcibiades’ wrath.Craig1916: 208

Sec. Sen.

I like this well; he will return again.

Tim.

I have a tree which grows here in my close,

That mine own use invites me to cut down,

And shortly must I fell it; tell my friends,Craig1916: 212

Edition: current; Page: [946]

Tell Athens, in the sequence of degree,

From high to low throughout, that whoso please

To stop affliction, let him take his haste,

Come hither, ere my tree hath felt the axe,Craig1916: 216

And hang himself. I pray you, do my greeting.

Flav.

Trouble him no further; thus you still shall find him.

Tim.

Come not to me again; but say to Athans,

Timon hath made his everlasting mansionCraig1916: 220

Upon the beached verge of the salt flood;

Who once a day with his embossed froth

The turbulent surge shall cover: thither come,

And let my grave-stone be your oracle.Craig1916: 224

Lips, let sour words go by and language end:

What is amiss plague and infection mend!

Graves only be men’s works and death their gain!

Sun, hide thy beams! Timon hath done his reign.

[Exit.

First Sen.

His discontents are unremovably Coupled to nature.

Sec. Sen.

Our hope in him is dead: let us return,

And strain what other means is left unto usCraig1916: 232

In our dear peril.

First Sen.

It requires swift foot.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—: Before the Walls of Athens.

Enter two Senators and a Messenger.

First Sen.

Thou hast painfully discover’d: are his files

As full as thy report?

Mess.

I have spoke the least;

Besides, his expedition promises

Present approach.Craig1916: 4

Sec. Sen.

We stand much hazard if they bring not Timon.

Mess.

I met a courier, one mine ancient friend,

Whom, though in general part we were oppos’d,

Yet our old love made a particular force,Craig1916: 8

And made us speak like friends: this man was riding

From Alcibiades to Timon’s cave,

With letters of entreaty, which imported

His fellowship i’ the cause against your city,Craig1916: 12

In part for his sake mov’d.

First Sen.

Here come our brothers.

Enter Senators fromTimon.

Third Sen.

No talk of Timon, nothing of him expect.

The enemies’ drum is heard, and fearful scouring

Doth choke the air with dust. In, and prepare:

Ours is the fall, I fear; our foes the snare.Craig1916: 17

[Exeunt.

Scene III.—: The Woods.Timon’sCave, and a rude Tomb seen.

Enter a Soldier, seekingTimon.

Sold.

By all description this should be the place.

Who’s here? speak, ho! No answer! What is this?

Timon is dead, who hath outstretch’d his span:

Some beast rear’d this; here does not live a man.Craig1916: 4

Dead, sure; and this his grave. What’s on this tomb

I cannot read; the character I’ll take with wax:

Our captain hath in every figure skill;

An ag’d interpreter, though young in days.Craig1916: 8

Before proud Athens he’s set down by this,

Whose fall the mark of his ambition is.

[Exit.

Scene IV.—: Before the Walls of Athens.

Trumpets sound. EnterAlcibladeswith his Powers.

Alcib.

Sound to this coward and lascivious town

Our terrible approach.

[A parley sounded.

Enter Senators, on the Walls.

Till now you have gone on, and fill’d the time

With all licentious measure, making your willsCraig1916: 4

The scope of justice; till now myself and such

As slept within the shadow of your power

Have wander’d with our travers’d arms, and breath’d

Our sufferance vainly. Now the time is flush,Craig1916: 8

When crouching marrow, in the bearer strong,

Cries of itself, ‘No more:’ now breathless wrong

Shall sit and pant in your great chairs of ease,

And pursy insolence shall break his windCraig1916: 12

With fear and horrid flight.

First Sen.

Noble and young,

When thy first griefs were but a mere conceit,

Ere thou hadst power or we had cause of fear,

We sent to thee, to give thy rages balm,Craig1916: 16

To wipe out our ingratitude with loves

Above their quantity.

Sec. Sen.

So did we woo

Transformed Timon to our city’s love

By humble message and by promis’d means:Craig1916: 20

We were not all unkind, nor all deserve

The common stroke of war.

First Sen.

These walls of ours

Edition: current; Page: [947]

Were not erected by their hands from whom

You have receiv’d your grief; nor are they such

That these great towers, trophies, and schools should fallCraig1916: 25